Before discharge
Ask the ward team early about the plan, especially if home is a long way from the hospital.
- Will physiotherapy or occupational therapy continue at home?
- Is any equipment needed - a frame, commode, rails or a special bed?
- Has the council's short reablement service been requested?
- How will they get home, and who will be there when they arrive?
On the day
Discharges often happen late in the day, which matters when the drive home is long.
- Heating on and bed ready, downstairs if stairs are a problem
- Food and drinks in the house
- All medication collected and the discharge letter checked
- Rugs and clutter moved so walking routes are clear
The first few weeks
Watch for signs of infection, confusion, poor eating or not drinking enough, and keep to the exercises the therapists set. If you're not sure someone will cope on their own, short-term live-in care can cover those first weeks.
This guide is general information rather than financial or legal advice. Funding limits and benefit rates usually change every April.